The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1887-02-17

feAN 1850 . w " OPlNNeS VI 4" SIN
pie charity and to gain a place upon
the pension roll through alleged de-
pendence, Recent personal obserya-
ton and experience constrain. me to
refer to another result which will in
evitably follow the passage Of this bill
1t is sad, but nevertheless true, that
already in the matter of procuring
pensions there exists u widespread
disregard OF truth and good faith,
stimulated by those who as agents UNI
dertake to establish claims for pen
sions, heedlessly entered upon by the
expectant beneficiary and encouraged
or at least not condemned, by those
unwillingto obstruct aneighbor's plans.
In the execution OF this proposed
law under any Interpretation wide
field of inquiry would be opened for
the establishment of facts largely
within the knowledge ofthe claimants
alone; and there can be no doubt that
the race after the pensions offered by
this bill would not only stimulate
weakness and pretended incapacity
for labor. but put further premium
on dishonesty andmendacity.
AN ALMOST APPALLING EXPENSE.
The enormous probable expense of
the bill is another objection urged by
the President. He quotes that state
ment made in Congress that the num-
Der of pensioners under this bill would
be 33,l05, and the increased annual
cost $4,767, 120; but reasoning from
the analogies of the laws OF 1S48 and
1858, he is satisfied that the cost stated
in this estimate would be many times
multiplied and with constant in
crease from year to year, and if those
partially unable to earn their support
should be admitted to the privileges
of this bill the probable increase of ex-
pense would be almost appalling. He
is convinced that if this bill should be-
come law further efforts to reduce the
federal revenue and restore some
part OF it to our people will, and per-
haps should, be seriously questioned
In conclusion the President says:
1t has constantly been cause O
/ pride and congratulation to the Amer
lean citizen that his country is no
put to the charge of maintaining
: large standing army in time OF peace
Yet we are now living under war tai
+ which had been tolerated in peaceful
D times to meet the obligations incurred
t in war. But for years past in all part
0 OF the country the demand for the re
= duction of the burdens OF taxation up
t on our labor and production has in
creased in volume and urgency.
| am not willing to approve meas
b ure presenting the objections to whic
:. this bill is subject, and which, more
g oyer, will have the effect of disaT
y pointing the expectation of the peopl
e and their desire and hope for relic
l. from war taxation in time of peace.
V Then quoting the language of hi
e December message, that ensior
1t should be granted under the law an
IS not in evasion OF it, the President t
e nally says,
1t l do not think that the objects, tn
n conditions, and the limitations thu
v suggested, are contained in the bill vi
e. der consideration. | adhere to the sci
e, timents thus heretofore expresses
1t But the evil threatened by this bill
q in my opinion such that, charge
n with great responsibility in behalf {
II the people, | cannot do otherwise tina
Of to bring to the consideration of tn
measure my best efforts of though
and judgment, and perform my co
f. stitutional duty in relation thereto, +
~ gardless of all consequences, excel
such as appear to me to be related [
n the best and highest interest of IL
T. country.